Dating is hard enough without having to find something cool, original and enjoyable for you and your date to do together. Perhaps you’re looking to impress on a first date, or avoid the awkwardness of a blind date? Or maybe you’re just looking to mix up your weekly date night? Whatever your situation, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve done our research to bring you the best date ideas in Birmingham! Pick your favourite and guarantee yourself that second date.
Explore the canals
Birmingham’s 35 miles of canals offer the perfect place for a peaceful afternoon stroll. If you’re feeling extra romantic, why not hire a boat for a couple of hours and view the canals from the water. You can even rent paddleboards, if you’re an active couple. Once you’ve had enough activity, retire to one of the vibey pubs along the canal for a bev and something to eat.
Be sweet with a trip to Cadbury World
Does your date like chocolate? Who doesn’t! Situated in the leafy suburb of Bourneville, a tour of the Cadbury World chocolate factory is a great day out. Learn how chocolate is made, play interactive chocolate related games and do lots of tasting! To really impress your chocoholic date, book into the Chocolatier Experience, a two-hour hands-on whirlwind through the world of chocolate.
Enjoy a movie brunch at the Mockingbird Cinema
Taking a date to the cinema can seem a bit lazy but not at the unique experience hosted by the Mockingbird in Birmingham. Situated within Brum’s iconic Custard Factory, you can indulge in a two-course brunch on a Saturday morning with unlimited Prosecco, all before watching some of the best movies ever made!
Join a Peaky Blinders Tour
If you and your date enjoyed BBC 1’s Peaky Blinders series, then Birmingham’s Peaky Blinders Tour is a great date idea. Join local historian Carl Chinn on a tour of Digbeth, where he reveals the real secrets of the infamous gang led by Tommy Shelby. You’ll even get the chance to eat and drink a traditional meal from a 1920s style pub.
Impress your animal loving date at Birmingham Conservation Park
Birmingham Conservation Park offers a unique close-up personal experience with animals, making it the perfect spot for you and your animal loving date. The variety of incredibly cute reptiles, lemurs, wallabies, meerkats, monkeys, birds and red pandas are sure to fend off any awkward date vibes. Time your visit right and you could have a go at feeding the animals. The park also does a lot of great work towards endangered species conservation, which you can learn about while you’re there.
Play mini golf at Cannon Hill Park
Mini golf! It’s a classic date activity. And what better place to play than in the fresh air of one of Birmingham’s most popular park? Golden Putter Mini Golf in Cannon Hill Park is a 36-hole course with obstacles and water hazards, which should keep you both on your toes! A bit of healthy competition never hurt anybody.
Sip cocktails in Birmingham’s Secret bars
Birmingham has so many secret bars we’ve written a whole blog post about it! Going for drinks is a classic first date idea but why not mix it up a bit and take your date to a bar that’s a bit more difficult to find. From door hidden behind bookcases to secret passwords and intimate dining experiences, Birmingham has some very special hidden bars you’re sure to impress your date with. Some even offer cocktail making masterclasses, so book one and get shakin’.
Take a picnic to the Botanical gardens
OK, so this one’s weather dependant but if the sun is shining, the beautiful botanic gardens are certain to put you and your date in a romantic mood. Pack a picnic full of your date’s favourite snacks (did someone say sausage rolls?), and a retro blanket and enjoy food and each other’s company in pretty surroundings. There are also often cheap plays and other fun events happening in the gardens – check online for what’s on when you visit.
Let some anger out at Whistle Punks Axe Throwing
Talk about a unique date! We thought the only people to throw axes were the Vikings, but how wrong we were. Axe throwing is so much fun and a great way to try something new with your date. You will be taught how to throw the axes, and once you’ve got the swing of things, you’re entered into a small tournament against your date! Just make sure you aim towards the board and not your new love interest.
Laugh together at a comedy night
Take the pressure off yourself to make your date laugh and book tickets to one of Birmingham’s comedy nights. Often considered one of the best comedy clubs in the UK, The Glee has hosted an array of the UK’s biggest comedians over the years, including Michael McIntrye, Jo Brand, Russell Howard and Jimmy Carr, to name a few. Open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, it’s a perfect date night activity.
Game, drink and dance at Kongs Bar
Make the classic ‘drinks date’ a bit more exciting when you visit Kongs. The contemporary bar offers an eclectic range of beers, tunes from top local DJs and lots of fun games. Think ping pong, table football, old school arcade games and vintage consoles.
Perhaps you’re taking your date for a romantic weekend away to Birmingham? Well it doesn’t need to break the bank, check out our Birmingham on a budget article to plan your time in England’s second city.
CrossCountry has services running to Birmingham from all over the country, throughout the year. Whenever you plan your visit, remember to buy an Advance ticket to CrossCountry via our Train Tickets app.
Written by Julia